WEYOND THE TWILIGHT 



GEORGE W. HARRINGTON 




Class Lsy^_Sj_^ 

COPVRIGHT DEPOStK 



BEYOND THE 
TWILIGHT 

A BOOK OF VERSE 



BY 
GEORGE W. HARRINGTON 

Author of "A Reversion of Form," etc. 




BOSTON 
SHERMAN, FRENCH & COMPANY 

1911 



6^ 



^ 



i 






Copyright, 1911 
Sherman, French <S>» Company 



©C(.A305183 



TOITHE MEMORY OF 

HOWARD WILBUR SLADE 

CLARENCE SUTHERLAND WALLACE 

CLAUDIA ELIZABETH KELLOGG 

CHARLES F. McGAHAN 

AND 

WILLIAM WALTON WOOLSEY 

FRIENDS OF LONG AGO 

THE AUTHOR IN LOVE. GRATITUDE AND HUMILITY 

DEDICATES THIS SHEAF OF VERSE. 

Companions ever near to me. 

Who've answered to the Heavenly call! 

Yes, while they held my hand 

Fond eyes met eyes as fond; 

And I would not forget 

Their touch, their sympathy. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

GERALD 1 

BEFORE THE DAWN 2 

STRESS 3 

FRIDAY EVENING . 4 

GROWING OLD 5 

HEIGHTS AND DEPTHS 6 

PALS 7 

INTROSPECTION 11 

CHOOSING-^TO-DAY 12 

COMPANIONS 13 

PAIN 15 

DESPAIR NOT 16 

PRIVILEGE 17 

A SONG OF HOPE 18 

IN REVIEW 19 

QUESTIONS 21 

PADDOCK FRIENDS 22 

SATURDAY NIGHT 24 

A PLEA 25 

MY JOYS 26 

THE GARDEN OF YOUTH 28 

WHEN THE SHADOWS HAVE DEEPENED . 30 

THE COMMON LOT 31 

THE DEAR ONES AT HOME .32 

THE FIRE HORSE 33 

PREPARATION 35 

HEAT IN THE TENEMENTS 36 

AS WE WOULD HAVE THEM WALK ... 37 

OUR FATHER'S CHILDREN .39 



PAGE 

ONLY A JOCKEY 41 

THE LAST ANALYSIS 43 

THE MESSAGE 44 

ALONE 45 

"MAKING GOOD" 47 

ALL THAT WE KNOW 48 

CINDERS 49 

THE SONG OF NATURE 50 

TO-DAY 52 

AFTER MANY YEARS 53 

THE RADIANCE OF NIGHT 55 

NOR HESITATE 56 

"WHEN MY LOVED ONE SMILES" .... 57 

TO-MORROW— A PRAYER .59 

VOYAGES 60 

ONLY A YEAR . 62 

VOICES 64 

WITH PASSING YEARS 65 

A SALUTARY NIGHTMARE 66 

A WORD . 68 

ANOTHER CHANCE ......... 69 

LEAVING PORT 71 

BROTHERS 72 

ON THE TRAIN 73 

STRANGERS— TO-DAY 74 

OUR NURSERY WARRIORS 75 

THE CITY STREETS 76 

THE HURDY GURDY MAN 77 

BEDTIME 78 

A REBUKE 79 



PAGE 

THE FRIENDS OF LONG AGO 80 

ASSURANCE .81 

A REBUKE TO MELANCHOLY 83 

BLUE JEAN PHILOSOPHY 84 

YOUTH, AGE— THE SEA ........ 85 

RESTING IN FAITH 86 

INDIAN SUMMER 87 

GOOD NIGHT 88 

A FOREST RIDDLE 89 

JUST TO BE A MAN 91 

MY WIFE 92 



GERALD 

The little feet that patter 

Across the nursery floor, 
Tiny hands that tug so hard 

At the giant-fashioned door, 
The high pitched cry of welcome, 

And the ready, gleeful laugh, 
Greet the coming home of "Dad," 

Now a king — and more, by half. 

The dear, wee form, close cuddled, 

Fairy fingers searching out 
Some odd, reluctant treasure — 

To be greeted with a shout — 
The cheeks aglow with gladness 

And the eyes alight with joy — 
Pray, what has God made better 

Than our blithe, bewitching boy? 



[1] 



BEFORE THE DAWN 

The sweet tranquillity of night 

Hath hushed and changed a troubled 
world ; — 
Cast its soft, mysterious light 

Where hosts of day their jav'lins hurled. 

Hard hours of toil and stress — of strife — 
Have given place to gentler mood ; 

To higher, better things of life 

Than brother seeking brother's blood. 

Gentle radiance of yon moon 

Doth suggest a kindlier bent 
That steels the thews of fighters soon 

To strike the blows of Thor's portent. 

Calm, majestic, beauteous night! 

Serene, untroubled — breathing peace! 
I pray to thee. Lead, Kindly Light : — 

From fray and foray grant release. 



[2] 



STRESS 

The river is dark and restless, 

Beneath a cloud-swept sky ; 
Sinister tales it seems to tell 
Of men who've sought to die — 

Drawing watery covers about them, 
As down to rest they lie. 

Is the river brazen, boastful. 

Concealing black remorse 
For deeds it's seen, and help'd to do? 
(O men of bitter loss !) 

Stay! did they compass repose, I wonder, 
Leaving this life by force? 

The stream is mute, nor gives a sign 

To still its eerie soul; 
While hard-pressed men look on, in fear, 
So difficult their goal! — 

O taciturn river, pray tell, to-night, 
Dost look to me for toll? 



[3] 



FRIDAY EVENING 

There is no music in the world 

As sweet to me 
As this, when shouted with acclaim 

In ev'ry key 

(Yet tenderly) 

"Daddy's come home!" 



[4] 



GROWING OLD 

When my usefulness is ended 

And my strength has been expended, 

When no longer do I feel a zest for life, 
Take me to a realm far better — 
Ah ! I know this to the letter. 

Weary, troublous, hollow world of bitter strife ! 

Yes, a brighter day'll be dawning 

On a fair, auspicious morning. 
When I 'waken in the Land of Bye-and-bye. 

There, my dear companions greeting. 

In a glad, unsullied meeting — 
There I'll face Eternity without a sigh. 



[5] 



HEIGHTS AND DEPTHS 

"There is no Heaven and no Hell," he cried, 

And then he died. 
Ah ! he had never known the poignant bliss 

Of offspring's kiss, 
Nor yet endured the bitter, blighting pain 

Of work in vain. 



[6] 



PALS 
I 

"You awsk me w'y I'me lookin' queer to-day? 

I've 'ad a spill, a cruel, ugly fall. 
I'll not come right. They've put a friend away, 

A honest friend, as never funked a call." 

CHORUS 

" 'E mas a hold un, had to heat. 

Light was 'is 'eart an' quick 'is feet. 

Game was 'is eye, 'is hone was neat — 
My good old gallopin' pal!" 

II 

"Per'aps you've 'eard o' 'The Governor's Cup,' 
'Eld on the 'Round '111 Course,' at Ferry- 
town ! 
My eye ! It took a 'chaser to stand up : 

'Twas jump 'em true an' big — or else go 
down." 

Ill 

"I was ridin' at ten-stone-ten that day. 

'Our colors?' The 'Purple with crimson 
bars !' 
I cared a lot w'at the owner'd say. 

As I knotted my reins an' blest my stars." 

[7] 



IV 

"A school-boy friend, Bill Flynn — called Reddy 
Flynn 
('Cause 'is knob was a bloomin' carrot top) — 
Was up on a chestnut mare by Gunga Din. 
Eh? 'Wat name?' The Firefly— dam, Mala- 
prop." 

V 

"In this same race was useful Lure o' Gold, 
Fresh from a 'andy win at Leopardstown ; 

An' flippant timber topper. Blithe an' Bold, 
That led at Beecher's Brook — an' then went 
down." 



VI 

"At the open ditch The Firefly mistook, 
(Tried to 'Put in a short one,' understand). 

I say, that purler 'ad a nawsty look. 

An' in the flurry down went Wonderland." 

VII 

"Now I was comin' just a bit be'ind. 

On this same Vahant 'Eart, w'ats dead to- 
day: 
An' 'e was leppin' big an' runnin' kind; 
I — sittin' still an' smilin' — knew 'e'd stay." 
[8] 



VIII 

" 'E rose, an' as 'e did so 'elp me 'e 

Saw old Firefly an' Reddy Flynn — undone: 
(You'll think I lie, just 'cause it couldnH be) 

'E caught a f oot'old w'ere there wasn't none." 

IX 

" 'E gave a grunt, a shudder an' a throw, 
('E threw a lep that measur'd thirty-four) 

An' put 'is feet beyond the 'orse an' so 

'E miss'd the lad's red 'ead — but nothin' 
more." 

X 

"No, *Lose 'is stride'? not 'e, not Valiant 'Eart; 

'E 'eld the leader safe, did 'Ero's son, 
Toss'd back the plough, at water did 'is part, 

An' through the straight 'e wore 'em down — 
an' won." 



XI 

"Is it so odd I'm feelin' bad? — I say 
I aint ashamed because my eyes are wet : 

We don't make friends, nor bury, ev'ry day. 
I loved this 'orse — an' wonder w'at he'll get." 



[9] 



CHORUS 

" ^E was a hold un, bad to beat. 
Light was Hs *eart an^ quick 'is feet. 

Game was 'is eye, Hs bone was neat — 
My good old gallopin' palT* 



[10] 



INTROSPECTION 

A RAINDROP fell against the pane ; 

It trickled down, now left, now right 
It paused irresolute, then sped 

Uncertain, shy, afraid, unled; 
Then joined another in like plight. 

My life, alas! Confused — in vain. 



[11] 



CHOOSING— TO-DAY 

I 

The unkind look, the caustic word, 
The petty, selfish deed 
(Oh! Miserable greed!) 

Make life a little harder. 

On this weary, foot-worn road. 

II 

The happy face, the cheery voice, 
The generous, helpful act 
Make better things a fact; 

And lighten heavy burdens. 

So that pilgrims sad may smile. 



[12] 



COMPANIONS 

They gather 'round me in the gloom, 
Those faces once so dear to me, 
Emerging from the mists of time. 

I ne'er withdraw — or say them nay- 
They come not at my fond recall; 
They come, alas, I know not why. 



Not always are they near — and like. 

So like, their unresembled selves ! 
They come and go, quite uncontrolled. 

Mayhap their mission reassures 

That life goes on beyond the veil. 
Beyond the soft'ning veil of peace. 

Sweetly they temper and assuage 

The poignant bitterness of life; 
And give regret, and make it dear. 



Their tender presence ever prompts 

To better thought and fairer deed, 
To purity, to hope, to faith. 



[13] 



Would they safeguard me from myself? 

Pointing a truer, nobler way, 
Uplift and bless and cherish me? 

When barren pastures lie behind 
And verdant valleys fill the ken, 
Fuller, radiant life were mine. 



[14] 



PAIN 

What destiny doth shape the course 
Of this unhappy hour called life? 

What mute and iron compulsion 

Doth force and bind us to this strife? — 
This bitter, racking, woeful strife! 

The strange and poignant mystery — 

Of which the first and last is pain 
(With pain and yet more pain between) — 

What does it mean? From whence it came? 

Wilt leave of us a fleeting name? 

Why needful is the knotted lash? 
And how deserved the barbed dart? 

The promise sweet — believed, unkept — 
Hath made us bleed within the heart. — 
We meet, we love — and then we part. 

Ah! cruel, baffling, secret screed! 

No writing on the wall we know. — 
We're here to-day, and suffer here: 

But whence we came, or where we go 

Is hid from penitents below. 



[15] 



DESPAIR NOT 

Just around the corner 

We may meet a friend; 
Just around the corner 
Troubles sometimes end. 

So cheer up a bit, with me; 
Try the good in life to see. 
Never drag around the comer 
Like a melancholy mourner, 
But expect a lot of sunshine 'round the bend. 



[16] 



PRIVILEGE 

Why is it that a downy bed is mine? 

And why at laden boards am I a gnest? 
What right have I to wear this linen fine? 

And in the cool sea breeze at night find rest ? 

Others began their trying toil before 

My eyes had opened on this scorching day : 

Others had tossed uneasy at the door 

Of labor's call — and yet they feared delay. 

My work is not as hard, by far, as theirs ; 

My food is better and my nights bring rest : 
My hours are unoppressed by blighting cares. — 

'TVould seem that bias, stark, were manifest. 

I do not know why these things are, but know 
That favored as I am I should be kind ; 

And giving gladly offered help, should go 
Into their lives, to meet what need I find. 



[17] 



A SONG OF HOPE 

I'm weary to-night, Dear Heart, 
Weary but thankful — content — 

Roads have been long, and the heat 
Gave not a sign 'twould relent. 

To-morrow the day may dawn 

Refreshing, the breeze from the sea 

To-night — to-morrow — I know 
Belov'd, I am one with thee. 



[18] 



IN REVIEW 

Where lies the charm of jewel rare? 

Of what avail this hoard of gold? 
A wealth of riches doth not spare, 

But adds futility untold. 

For thee, Dear Heart, I've lived — for thee: 
Possession's worthless dross doth pall, 

Bald ownership a dream, ah, me! 
These mocking baubles but enthrall. 

The empty boast of vain display. 
The sullied might of atoms swayed, 

Prove sacrilegious in this hour. 
With schism and rebellion flayed. 

O God! against Thy awesome will 

I marshalled childish purposes. 
And sought my petty hour to fill 

With lean, ambitious heresies. 

Fair One, I've built as folly's slave 
A house upon the sands — for thee; 

And all God gave to me I gave — 
A beggar's principality. 

I've planned and toiled and striven, to ends 

As impotent as hands of man 
To still the flood that Neptune sends, 

Or lift from racial yoke the ban. 
[19] 



The waste and ruin of such quest, 

Its utter folly, now I see: 
To Fate I urge my last behest — 

Perpetuate thy love for me. 

Yes, let me keep this fragrant love ; 

Yet to give back, nor stint, in kind : 
And so make earth like Heav'n above. 

And vast, celestial beauties find. 



[20] 



QUESTIONS 

Ah ! I wonder why I wait, 

Leaning on this moss-grown gate; 
Musing, yes, and deeply dreaming, 

While the bustling world is teeming. 
Would I know the ultimate? 

Do I ask the driven race 

Why this wild, unreas'ning pace? 
Surely, all the world's contriving. 

In a scheming, frenzied striving. 
Does this serve a valid case? 

Shall I seek the reason, why 
Travelers seem bound to try 

Paths that lead but to confusion. 

Whose reward is disillusion? 

Ah ! to live is but to die. 

Better far to be content. 

Than in sorrowed years repent. 
Driven by ambition's prodding. 

There are weary millions plodding 
O'er the roads of strange consent. 

Give me love and peace and hope: 

Yes, and strength I'd have, to cope 
With the things the age's providing. 
Give me benefits abiding; 

Thus, not far a-field I'd grope. 
[21] 



PADDOCK FRIENDS 

Of all the joys of a selfish world, 

The one that stirs me most 
Is the feel of a game, bold-striding horse 
In the field or on the harrowed course. 

Or keen one at the post. 

Then to the breezes dull care I throw, 

And just a moment live: 
For the love of the beast is in my blood ; — 
And I know he'll be true, through fire and flood. 

Ready, his best to give. 

When worries and disappointments sore 

Make life a bitter grind. 
There's a sport that changes the face of 

things — 
To the jaded nerves a sweet tingling brings — 

Oh! recreation kind! 



09 



] 



CHORUS 

Oh! love of a horse 

Brings us no remorse ; 
And we've much to learn — ^not get — : 

He is game and true, 

And all through and through 
Will try till his sight grows set. 

He wont repulse or pass one by; 

Or look with cold, unfriendly eye. 

He's game and staunch — he'll do or die; 
And more — he wont forget. 



[23] 



SATURDAY NIGHT 

Closing hours of the closing day 
Of this fair, full-measured week ! 

Little more and we shall start afresh, 
To reexperience dangers 

And delights of beck'ning, unspoiPd hours. 

I see where I have worked amiss, 
Unv/isely, and have drifted far. 

To-morrow, when chance to make amends 
Is given, I shall know — must act: 

For some week end will be the last ; then — 



[24] 



A PLEA 

Tell me, O Mother, the meaning of life ; 
Show me the use of this pitiless strife. 
Thou who hast borne me, by whom I am here, 
Make me awaken to light and to cheer. 

Teach me to know the omnipotent plan, 
Show me that even in life's briefest span 
All leads to an end as definite, true, 
As rivers that flow to the ocean blue. 

Turning my eyes toward the sunrise of hope, 
In the mystery-light of dawn remote. 
Teach me, O Mother, to watch and to pray 
For the beaut'ous light of the open day. 

Teach me to look upon sorrow as best, 
Tell me that gloom shall be changed into rest; 
Show me that sadness no longer shall mar. 
When clear is my path by the new-found star. 



[25] 



MY JOYS 

Sometimes when I am sad 
And life seems all awry, 
I sigh, 
And wonder why 'tis so. 
Dolorously lament. 
Intent 
On some much-thought-of thing. 

But when I stop to think 
I feel it vain and wrong 
To long. 
And to deplore, unheld 

The things that fate controls- 
The toUs 
Of life, its discipline. 

For three great joys have I; 
Nor would I take the world, 
Unfurled, 
In place of kingdom mine: 
My soul glad music makes — 
Awakes : 
Thrice blest and more am I. 



[26] 



"Riches?" you ask. Not that. 
"Or wealth of broad design?" 
"Youth's wine?" 
No, none of these. Far more. 
Wouldst know my vaunted bliss.? 
'Tis this ; 
My joys are three dear boys! 



[27] 



THE GARDEN OF TRUTH 

With those I love I cannot always go 

Into the hallowed heart of things, 
Into the gardens wondrously a-bloom 

With blossoms beautiful and rare — 
Grown nobly, by the uncompelled Hand of 
Truth, 

By the omnipotent Hand of Truth, 
Which cannot fail or sow amiss — 

I stand and wait. 

Though love of mine be strong, 

I cannot take them by my side; 
As I would have them walk, 

Exploring this eternal Paradise, 
Gazing into tranquil, limpid streams, 

List'ning to the rapturous song of birds — 
That garden which is athrob 

With melody. 

They seem to lag, to wander and to drift 

Away from me — ever, alas, away; 
Nor do they clasp my hand. 

Impelled by the sights and sounds and scents 
Of praise and unenslaved delight. 

Of comfort in the truth of Truths 
As old, unchallenged and entire 

As things unseen by Man. 

[28] 



My heart beats with the strange presence — 

Pervasive, rapturous, ethereal; 
Emotion holds and rules me: 

I am alone and my tears, 
The unaccustomed tears of man's estate, 

Fall on the sweet, cool moss. 



[29] 



WHEN THE SHADOWS HAVE 
DEEPENED 

The soft, mysterious curtains of the night are 
drawn ; 
Impalpable, by unseen hands controlled. 
Imperious demands of day are stilled. For day- 
light 
Faded into dusk : and now enrolled 
Among the sunlit hours of the past we know is 
kept 
This record of success and loss, untold. 



[30] 



THE COMMON LOT 

In the cortege we are marching, 

Of the friends who loved us well: 
And our silent tongues are parching, 
As we listen to the knell. 

For the bell is tolling, tolling: 
Of our anguish does it tell. 

In the years forever passing, 
We are losing, one by one, 
Fond companions, 'round us massing 
When the journey was begun. 

From the ranks they're falling, falling. 
Will the end find us alone.? 

On our right, the stricken mother; 

On our left, the orphan son ; 
Just before, the grief-bowed brother; 
Just behind, the wife of one 

Who has loved and worked, nor faltered : 
Now his brief probation's done. 

In the depths of night, beguiling, 
They are calling, from beyond ; 
They are beck'ning; they are smiling; 
Though the darkness doth surround. 
In my loneliness, I'm waiting — 
Earthly loneliness, profound. 

[31] 



THE DEAR ONES AT HOME 

Radiant moon, look down on those I love; 

And with thy soft effulgence gently bathe 
Them in a blessed, tranquillizing light. 

Yes, in thy fixed, unhurried passage through 
The vast, immutable heavens of night. 

Look down, with pity and with love, on mine. 



[32] 



THE FIRE HORSE 

"We do not regard it as proper economy to pension 
horses used in any department of city work." 

Sentiment of Municipal Office-Holders. 

We galloped to the fire, 

In the stillness of the night ; 
And stood 'mid flying embers, 

While the boys waged deadly fight. 
When the street was cold, forsaken; 
(Folk at engine's stroke awaken) 
Just because we knew 'twas right. 

When the cuddled child slept well, 

With a favored doll, in bed; 
When the weak and ill and old 

Would prepare to meet their dead ; 
Then, oftimes, the call was sounded : 
Forth, at such alarm, we bounded, 
Asking none to go, instead. 

Who protects the city's wealth? 

And safe-guards the mansions grand? 
Saving millions, year by year. 
For the richest of the land: 

And he is yet the poor man's friend; 
Hard-earned holdings to defend. 
Is he wanting — on demand? 



[33] 



Has man our toil requited? 

And our hurts and pains allayed? 
Or worked for our protection — 
(He, whom we have seen afraid) ? 
Is the Golden Rule suspended, 
When our usefulness is ended? 
Does he pay as Judas paid? 

L*ENVOI 

Hark ! The knacker's cart is coming. 

With its brains-bespattered floor. 
(They are swinging off — and backing;) 
Now it stands before the door. 

Yes, it means the boys have bought me, 
Ere the huckster's lash had taught me 
I could save the town no more. 



[34] 



PREPARATION 

Strive to make the birthdays brighter, 
Pray Heaven show us better ways : 

Try to make the burdens lighter — 

For homemates welcome sunshine's rays. 

Somber hosts of night assemble, 
Full hours of usefulness agone! — 

In the balance bliss doth tremble — 
May natal days forecast The Dawn. 



[35] 



HEAT IN THE TENEMENTS 

'Tis morning in the tenements. 

The sleepless-eyed and staring folk 
Stumble along the grimy halls 

And totter down the foot-worn stairs : 
Wan, unrefreshed by slumber's boon, 

Or by the early day's repast! 
For who can sleep when Hell is loose? 

Or eat, while Demon Heat is king? 

Children their playmates hardly greet; 

Listlessly, mirthlessly they meet 

In the bare, foul, sun-cursed street. 

'Tis noon : the scorching sun pours down 

On this furnace, whose victims writhe. 
Weary and worn, confused and pale. 

At windows, doors, in bits of shade, 
Hopeless women, desperate men 

Must pant and stare and wait, for what?- 
No help in sight from cloudless sky; 

Surrounding stone repels the touch. 
The mockery of lunch! Oh, think! 

A crust, a sip of tepid drink 
On delirium's awful brink. 



[36] 



'Tis night — the night of pain and dread: 

Some will be "is" and others "was" 
When morrow calls for sacrifice. 

Tenements are groaning; unrest 
Fills airless halls and stifling rooms — 

A child moaning in fitful sleep ! 
Tranquillity hath stood aloof; 

Sweet peace of night is far removed. 
God help the troubled dwellers here; 

Their earthly potion, pain and fear! 
Life's white branding iron doth sear. 

li'ENVOI 

Oh! The dividends from warrens of men 

May buy immunity 
For idlers who loll in their motor-cars, 

Surrounding false-caste with firm outer-bars. 
But can they always flee 

The mothers' wail. 

When life doth fail 
The child of the tenements.? 



[37] 



AS WE WOULD HAVE THEM WALK 

As I tuck my boys in their beds, at night, 

I breathe a prayer that in manhood's fight 
They'll be brave and true, and face The Good 
Light— 
The Light That Faileth Not. 



[38] 



OUR FATHER'S CHILDREN 

This life is fraught with blighting cares, 

With sorrow, grief and pain: 
Yet we are wasting precious days 
In selfish, sordid gain. 

Our neighbor is a shadow, dim; 
While fiercely, in the struggle, grim. 
We slay — nor count the slain. 

Would we but pause to see and feel 

The human things of life, 
A new, glad light would flood our souls. 
And end this bitter strife. 

Ah! shame on this relentless war! 
Against potential friends — and more. 
Bring peace, where woe was rife. 

God gave a noble heritage — 

Enough, and yet to spare — 
A precious patrimony, vast; 
Largess for all to share. 

But we, like Cain, have sought the blood 
Of brothers ; who through fire and flood 
Should have our constant care. 



[39] 



Ah! could we here but understand! 

As children knowing well 
The guiding hand, the tender kiss I 
Beneath one roof to dwell 

Would be a sweet experience. — 
God give us sight, from this day hence, 
Brothers from dross to tell. 



[40] 



ONLY A JOCKEY 

"They arsked 'im if 'e'd ride the 'orse. 

'E said, 'You bet I will!' 
They said, 'It's nawsty, sloppy goin'.' 

'E said, ' 'oo'd funk a spill'? " 

There are those who look, 

And those who hook; 
And also those who ride. 

There are those who fear 
(For life is dear) ; 

And those who stem the tide. 

" 'E steadied 'im, an' 'eld 'im straight ; 

An' nurs'd 'im, as a kid. 
Deep, yawnin' Liverpool an' water 

Fell be'ind 'im: 'ow 'e slid!" 

There are those who look. 

And those who book; 
And also those who ride. 

There are those who fear 
(For life is dear) ; 

And those who stem the tide. 

"At the lawst jump, 'e was blown an' pump'd, 
Game an' bold 'orse, 'My Pard' ; 

'E caught it above 'is bended knees. 
An' somersaulted, 'ard. 



There are those who look. 

And those who hook; 
And also those who ride. 

There are those who fear 
(For life is dear) ; ' 

And those who stem the tide. 

"This lad got the 'igh-prized floral plate 

(Above 'is jacket, laid). 
Boys ! Jockeys may ride between the flags, 

An' come an' go ; 'e's staid.*' 

There are those who looky 

And those who book; 
And also those who ride. 

There are those who fear 
(For life is dear); 

And those mho stem the tide. 



[42] 



THE LAST ANALYSIS 

When I am called before the Bar 

Of Justice, in The Land Afar, 
Will some kind advocate appeal? 

And zealously, for my best weal, 
Lift up his voice and plead my cause? 

Lest justice falsify her laws. 

Will this solicitor explain 

That I have tried — though tried in vain— 
My part to do, throughout life's day? — 

But circumstance fair plans did flay — 
Have striv'n, fallen, risen, to be 
Repulsed by opportunity. 

Will he avow that I have stood, 

With Toil as sponsor — pledged to good — 
Knocking at Kismet's fateful door? 

To ask, to plead; yea, to implore: 
And coldly turned away have been — 

And not for blight, or sloth, or sin. 

Yea, I have loved and planned and tried : 
A hundred lives have lived ; and died 

As many score. Seared eons have dragged. 
And small-houred death-watch lagged, 

As I have paced this grisly cell. — 
Deliv'rance? Or the lethal knell? 

[43] 



THE MESSAGE 

How pleasant 'tis to hear from those at home, 
When working in the noisy, man-choked town. 
To know that someone feels and cares — and 
waits ! 
It serves to make the burden light; 
It gives one heart to toil and fight ; 
It steels the arm with righteous might ; — 
This help from those at home. 



[44] 



ALONE 

Among the busy crowd I move, 

But with a stranger's footsteps tread ; 

An alien, unknown entity ! 

As through the throngs my way I thread 

No friendly heart doth beat for me. 

Alone ! And in the midst of men ! 

One of a thousand ; yet removed 
By some strange circumstance of Fate. 

An isolated soul, approved 
By none to whom it would relate. 

What destiny hath shaped my course, 

Or moulded this unhappy clay ? 
What full-wrought power did assign 

Me to this ill-befitting day? — 
This troubled day, of stress malign. 

To be with men, yet not of men ! 

To feel the hostile scrutiny 
Of these, my brothers, who protest 

Such kinship! Ah! 'twere mutiny 
To leave the craft, for aye — and rest. 

Yet, flagging is my weary brain ; 

And sorely aches a pained heart; 
The cruel hunger of the soul 

Contorts me with its barbed dart — 
Swift driven to its chosen goal. 
[45] 



Ay! laughter springs at light commapd 
To lips that frame the passing jest: 

And ready is the list'ning ear, 

To play the gay, complaisant guest. 

My starving soul cries out for cheer. 



[46] 



"MAKING GOOD" 

When the job is hard and galling 

And hills and streams are calling, 
When monotony is palling 

And disgust doth fill my heart, 
With jangled nerves contesting 

And bitterly protesting, 
Yes, connected thought arresting, 

I must mutely do my part. 

I must grit my teeth and hustle, 

In hurly-burly bustle; 
I must "bank" on brain and muscle, 

Or success will pass me by. 
Though I may not care a copper 

That things be right and proper, 
I must never "come a cropper" — 

Nor the "kiddies' " claims deny. 



[47] 



ALL THAT WE KNOW 

Here not to rule, 

Here not to stay: 

Here not to fool 

God's time away. 

Here but to work and wonder — 
Gasping, 'tween blow and blunder- 
Waiting for day. 



[48] 



CINDERS 

Got er cinder in yer eye? 

Don't rub it: let some feller try 
Ter git it aout. 

Say he can't? Er don't know haow? 

Shucks! Why, my boy, just sort er 'laow 
He'll do it great. 

Good fer him, an' good fer you! 

Er lettin' this 'ere stranger do 
This little job. 

Independence is all right ; 

But frequent overdone, 'nough sight — 
Remember that. 

Guess there aint no statute law 

'Gainst helpin' ; — that's what cinders's for, 
Ter be took aout. 



[49] 



THE SONG OF NATURE 

The sea is whispering a word to me, 

Nor would I turn unheeding ears away; 

The rising sun a token gives, to be 
Interpreted for my good weal to-day. 

The moon, the stars, the sky serene and blue, 
The scent of flowers and the song of birds. 

The patter of the Summer showers, the dew 
A potent message give — not empty words. 

The butterfly, the rainbow, and the snows 
Drifting across the azure vault above, 

Would murmur to the heedful ear of vows 
To take and keep, that we may build and 
love. 

The grand, hope-giving sunrise, and the dusk 
Which spreads o'er town and wold — and 
breathes sweet peace — 

Give manna to the soul, not withered husk, 
Promise beatitude, beyond release. 

The laughter of the children ! — ^Youth is theirs ; 

The world is wonderful and fresh and gay. 
The gurgle and the swirl where tumbling dares 

The brave, blithe brook ! O glad, triumphant 
day! 

[50] 



Hail ! Tokens of a fuller, better hour ! 

Utopia! Beyond life's bolted door! 
From this awak'ning springs a nobler power, 

To elevate and comfort, evermore. 



[51] 



TO-DAY 

Let us be kind to-daj, 

And do at least one brave, unselfish deed, 
Out in the battle-worn and troubled world — 

Out in the world of grievous wrongs, of pain, 
Where men forget and Heav'n is far removed. — 

Give none the right to say 

Love has been put away — 

Let us be kind to-day. 

Let us be kind to-day, 

For some may crave a strong and helping 
hand. 
And more may stand in need of gentle words : 

To others just a smile and nod would prove 
The pessimist's mistake — that no one cares. — 

Help not the weak to stray: 

Show them a brother's way — 

Let us be kind to-day. 



[52] 



AFTER MANY YEARS 

Should success to-day reward 
Work and waiting of long years, 

And thus banish haunting fears, 
Would I feel exhilaration 

And victory's quick vibration? 

Or would gladness merge in tears? 

For eager, friendly faces 

And hands that locked in mine 
Have long since in sleep benign 

Found complete emancipation 
From a cold and stern creation — 

The beyond doth give no sign. 

In the years when youth dared all, 
Fond and flowered years of hope 

When I promised self to cope 

With achievement — shy, elusive — 

I'd speed with power conclusive; 
Now, alas ! I blindly grope. 

Ah! the victor's laurel crown 

Allured with power rare. 
And it made me bold to dare — 

Working, while the dear ones waited 
With interest unabated. 

Working, for the world was fair. 

[63] 



From the Perfect Land beyond 
Mayhap God will let them see, 

For I know they care for me, 

That I've waged the bitter fight : 

And I would have them know it's right. 
As they hoped and prayed 'twould be. 



[54] 



THE RADIANCE OF NIGHT 

Moonbeams trace a golden, shimmering path 
Across the mute and tranquil river's blue: 

Whispers of the night lend heavenly charm, 
And nature's kindly benisons endue. 

Enraptured, I am musing in this realm 
Of forms and faces ever dear to me; 

Of those who often 'mid such scenes as this 
Drank in with me Divine tranquillity. 

Ah ! could I but have these well-beloved, 

For one brief, perfect moment, just to share 

This beauty, calm and fragrance of the night. 
No feeble mundane joy could e'er compare. 



[55] 



NOR HESITATE 

Hither and thither they come and go — 

These folk that hasten to and fro — 
Some, surely, moved by good intent ; 
Others, alas, on mischief bent. 

But never mind from whence they come, 
Always part of the human sum! 
Yes, brothers and sisters of yours — of mine. 

Raised by example both broad and fine. 
Lowered by contact with human swine. — 
Let us meet their urgent need. 



[56] 



"WHEN MY LOVED ONE SMILES" 

When my loved one smiles 

Dispelled are darkness' powers, 
And sorrow takes its sad and solemn flight, 

And all the earth is pure and gay and bright, 
When my loved one smiles. 

When my loved one smiles 

False faces shamed do disappear. 
Nor look at me from out the shrouded past 
And blighted hopes that sometime held me 
fast. 
When my loved one smiles. 

When my loved one smiles 

I see a wondrous, hopeful light 
Reflected in eyes of glorious brown, 

Which seems to garb the earth in fairer 
gown. 
When my loved one smiles. 

When my loved one smiles 
Responsively I lay aside 
The petty and the churlish, which before 

Did bar me, though the wings of hope would 
soar — 
When my loved one smiles. 



[57] 



When my loved one smiles 

My soul in ready answer wakes, 
And bids me mourn no more this day or night, 

But join the song of bounty and delight — 
When my loved one smiles. 

When my loved one smiles 

Those galling shackles fall unclasped 
That bound me hand and foot in greed and woe : 

I wonder now and grieve at trammels low — 
When my loved one smiles. 



[58] 



TO-MORROW— A PRAYER 

Let me do better to-morrow 
Than I have done to-day: 
Let me work harder and longer 
Than I have toiled to-day. 

Let me be watchful, and render 

To God His own — and be tender. 
Teach me to love — and pray. 



[59] 



VOYAGES 

In the gloaming I am sitting, 

While the birds are nestward flitting ; 

With the twinkling lights appearing, one by 
one: 
And my thoughts are sad and dreary; 

Yes, my heart is strangely weary, 

As I watch a brilliant craft — ere she is gone. 

On a Summer's eve, delightful, 

Long ago, I thought it rightful 
That such peace and happiness I'd comprehend. 

How those shining lights deceived me! 
Now I ponder if it need be ; — 

For this craft that evening bore away a 
friend. 

Gracious offices had moulded 

Knightly hands, forever folded 
Long ago. Alas ! The dragging years are 
dark. 

Now at midnight, sleep-forsaken, 
Futile calls would fain awaken 

The sepulchered. My soul is lone and stark. 



[60] 



Never more from him a greeting; 

Nor glad corporeal meeting. 
When the steamer's lights had faded, he was 
gone. 
But one unpulsating letter, 
For want of medium better. 

Then the terse dispatch that made my heart 
forlorn ! 

Now I watch this craft appearing, 

As a pleasured town it's nearing ; 
And its lights and music mock me o'er the wave. 

Ah ! to-night, perchance, it's bearing 
Friend of someone, deeply caring. 

Whose seared, desolated heart must still be 
brave ! 



[61] 



ONLY A YEAR 

A YEAR ago to-day, 

Two friends had I, as near 
To me as friendship knows. 

To-day, alas ! I wake and find them not : 
Naught doth avail glad voice or list'ning ear. 

And yet the time was scarce so long ago 
When felt I that I'd always had them. 

Always held them, close to my inner heart 
(And so would clasp — for life). 

A 3^ear ago to-day ! 

A year ago to-day, 

I knew that I could share 
My grief and happiness 

With them, and find surcease. Perplexity 
Would vanish at their friendly, heartfelt word- 

Or when they looked at me and smiled: — 
But now all this is changed; I call in vain. 

I stand confused while cruel echoes mock. 
Alas ! All promised fair — 

A year ago to-day ! 



[62] 



A year ago to-day, 

I loved them, and I knew 
That they, in turn, loved me; — 

Don't ask me horn I knew : 't was real, so real 
It filled me with the bliss of truth complete. 

I sought no hidden reasons, but rejoiced. 
And all the sweet earth gladly quickened 

Beneath my feet, because they understood — 
Because they understood, in that dear time — 

A year ago to-day ! 

A year ago to-day. 

The hands that now lie cold, inert 
Were wisely, gently leading me. 

The eyes that now are dim looked into mine. 
And found there something better than I knew. 
Those lips, sealed in the changeless silence of 
the night. 
Then formed brave words of comfort and good- 
cheer. — 
I now see things to which I then was blind; 
And one, the priceless and immeasurable balm. 
The worth of which I did not — could not — 
know, 
A year ago to-day ! i 



[63] 



VOICES 

It matters not to me what aliens think 

(Their garments' hems scarce brush the hem 
of mine) 

But I would have those nearer ones to know 
(Those who, at last, have found security) 

Ah, me ! I'd have them know that I had heard, 
Had heard their sacred message — and obeyed. 



[64] 



WITH PASSING YEARS 

Of what avail this vast estate? 

Where lies the charm of jewel rare? 
Possessions to my heart relate 

As caviare 'mid desert's glare. 

A time there was, alas, when such 
Fond dreams of ownership did lure. 

The mirage of advantage much 

Did tempt me from known paths, secure. 

Now earthly lessons, harshly taught, 

Have turned my thoughts to sterner things ; 

And shown me that vain joy, ill-bought, 
Enduring happiness ne'er brings. 

The ownership of goods or gold 

Smiles false enticement to the mind : 

Rapacity, thus teased, doth hold — 
As is entrapped the timid hind. 

Sharp disappointments, grief and woe 

Have shown me that these trifles, prized — 

These baubles, trinkets — here below — 
Oft leave possessors subsidized. 



65] 



A SALUTARY NIGHTMARE 

Say! The other night I had a dream 

That sure did bump me some: 
I dreamt that I had croaked, for fair, 

An' up to Heav'n had come; 
Yes, old Saint Peter was waitin' there, 

Keepin' a mob off the Golden Stair, 
An' bluff was on the bum. 

I says, "My good friend, it's just like this, 

I've wisely played my hand; 
But some fine day my wife will be here, 

Huntin' a place to land: 
I've done all I could for her below. 

To teach her the things she'd ought to know, 
But she can't understand." 

"I have a hunch that my wife meant well, 

Tried hard, and all that stuff, 
But she had fool notions, cried too much, 

Sometimes handed me guff: — 
Still, ain't there some place where she'd be pat? 

Saint Peter, what do you know 'bout that.'' 
Don't let her cut up rough." 



[66] 



Says he, "You sure have the plumb wrong dope ; 

All to the good is she: 
So don't say a word, your wife's in right. 

And well deserves to be. 
'Cause any woman who's stood for you 

For twenty tough years will surely do — 
Yours for the brimstone! See? 



[67] 



A WORD 

The youth approached the aged sage 

With troubled mien, and thus he spake: 
"By sweat of my brow I have dearly bought, 
I have fashioned and planned and built and 
wrought. 
Have toiled and striven and prayed — for 
naught — 

Forsooth, the world 

Hath heeded not — 
Nor paused." 

Thus spake the sage : "Thy heart was amiss ; 
For thought of Reward was goading thee: 
Better be friend of Truth than slave of Fame, 
Better know worth of men — and whence they 
came — 
Better to gamer love than gild a name. 
Live wisely — trust; 

Be brave this day. 
Godspeed !" 



[68] 



ANOTHER CHANCE 

A LITTLE of the fading light remains, 
Lingering in the western sky, a trice. 

(Oh! will this terrestrial stay suffice?) 
Eternity, the reaper, ne'er refrains. 

Pray, is there not some high, neglected thing 
I was to do and would have done had time 

But given warning of the final chime? 

If so, it must be done ere time takes wing. 

I would not face the mist-enshrouded way 
Of souls that know the far-called clarion cry. 

And leave this undone thing for those to try 
Whose falt'ring strength, alas, but serves to- 
day. 

No warrant now for me to hesitate. 
In craven lamentation or regret ; 

For I must make this final effort yet. 

To do the task that must not call too late. 

And thus I ask the grace of brief delay. 
That I may meager restitution make 

For moments that were not my own to take 
From everlasting time, God's endless day. 



[69] 



The darkness falls, yet "Death, where is thy 
sting?" 
Or victory, obliterating grave ? 
Within the compass of success I brave 

Dark death, for death hath taught a higher 
thing. 



[70] 



LEAVING PORT 

Far away the ship is sailing, 

And my mist-dimmed eyes are failing 
As I listen to the wailing 

Of the winds o'er waters gray. 
Will the sea give back, I wonder? 

Or the good ship rend asunder? 
Break a loving heart, for plunder? — 

I await a fateful day. 



[71] 



BROTHERS 

They laid him in the church-yard when so 
young 

That life had left no impress and no stain; 
That hope and truth and dear belief were his ; 

And yet Fate bade another to remain. 

That sweet release was given him before 
The body wearied and the heart grew faint : 

Not after friends had proven selfish, false; 
And love had died in long and bitter plaint. 

They laid him in the church-yard, 'neath the 
sward — 
Their first-born and their joy, their best be- 
lov'd— 
And turning saw the other who remained ; 
And wondered why their God had so removed. 

Throughout their lives the cruel mystery 
Will hover — its infinite cause withheld; 

And all the days of him who fettered is 

The cry comes struggling to his lips, 
"RepeUed." 



[72] 



ON THE TRAIN 

To the city I am going 

Though the morn be gray and dour, 
Not because I crave excitement 

Or yearn for wrested power, 
But because I need the money 

For my husky kids— and "Honey" ; 
Though it may seem rather funny, 

Sometimes I almost like this hour! 



[73] 



k 



STRANGERS— TO-DAY 

We're strangers, meeting in the street; 

A hasty glance, and then we pass. 
Ah! What know I of his travail? 

The blighting cares his days entail? 
He numbers me among the mass. — 

We're strangers, meeting in the street. 

We're strangers, meeting in the street ; 

Yet one another we may know. 
In days undreamed of, yet to come ; 

When, mayhap, far from city's hum 
The seed of friendship we may sow. — 

Now strangers, meeting in the street. 

We strangers, meeting in the street, 
Have lost so much! been blind, indeed. 

As unrelated (so we thought) 

We went our way, unwarned, untaught 

That when we met we had one need — 

Though strangers, meeting in the street. 

Full many strangers have I met: 

Time's crucible in most showed worth* 

In knowing these, delight I found — 
A wealth of friendliness, unbound — 

I feel that there should be, on earth. 
No strangers, meeting in the street. 

[74] 



OUR NURSERY WARRIORS 

Hark ! 'tis the rat-a-tat-tat and the toot-toot- 
toot 
Of the soldiers' brave advance; 
And their bold array, as they seek the fray, 
Doth warklike mien enhance. 
What foe would stand. 
To face this band. 
And meet its driven lance? 

We must ever be kind to these soldier boys 

(Though their song is blithe to-day) 
For the road is long, while the sun is strong — 
They'll march so far away ! 
"Kiss me, my boy, 
My soldier boy, 
A Mother's heart must pay." 



[75] 



THE CITY STREETS 

These people hast'ning to and fro 

(Quickly they come and quickly go) 
What is their mission? Why such speed? 

Something worthy, or only greed? 
They're offering help or doing harm? 

They're moved by faith or by alarm? 
I often wish that I could know 

Why so quickly they come and go. 
But if I knew, perhaps my heart 

Would ache the more at human mart. 



[76] 



THE HURDY GURDY MAN 

He doesn't look to me quite clean, 

Nor do I like his foxy mien : 
I'm afraid he is rapacious 

(But he's most polite and g^racious). 
From whence those earrings did he glean? 

His notes assault my outraged ear 
And I am filled with dread and fear 

Lest he shall never go away 

(While all the children hope he'll stay). 

When will he move his clam'rous gear? 

Yes, I must hold my peace and bear 

Aural assaults I'd never dare 
Resent. This villain is their friend; 

On him the "kids" their money spend. — 
Confound (but don't suppress) this blare. 



[77] 



BEDTIME 

The work of to-day is ended; 

For good or for ill, it's done: 
The record is writ and blotted — 

Now peace, till to-morrow's sun. 
But I hope and I pray that ever 

In the course of the troublous day 
Have I heeded the rights of others 

And thought of their difficult way ; 

For just what the day has cost them 
None but themselves can say. 



[78] 



A REBUKE 

On the sands I stood 

And humbly asked this question of the sea, 

"If I should bring my fairest work to thee, 
Wouldst thou then make one precious gift to 
me? — 
To know the hearts of men." 

The sea replied, 

"Thy man-wrought work done selfishly to-day 

Will vanish, e'en as dust is blown away ; 
And thou wilt know the hearts of men, some 
day — 
When thought of self hath died." 



[79] 



THE FRIENDS OF LONG AGO 

Reflection comes with hours of sweet repose: 
Gracious hands are reaching out toward me; 
A sleeping something stirs and wakes within 

My weary soul, when long stilled voices flow. 

> 

A dream, you say? Mayhap, but 'tis to me 
More real than life of motion, sound and 
touch. — 

A part of me has slept since those have slept 
To whom I gave, beneath the Wand of Youth. 



[80] 



ASSURANCE 

I 

You are prone to say, "Put it off another day." 

("'Ware wire" of delay). 
"Simply will I borrow moments from to-morrow" 

(Playing fast and loose with sorrow) ; 

"Yes, of course, in time I'll pay." 

CHORUS 

A fool is full of confidence, 

As asp is full of stingy 
While in the world he glides along 

His empty song to sing; 
"Oh! there is time, a lot of time; 
Drudging work I carry over. 
In the fields of life a rover, 
Fm in everlasting clover — 

For the day is in its prime. ^^ 

II 

Should we expect to stay on earth and have 
our way? 
("Bye and bye," you say?) 
Fools ! To-morrow's dawning finds one friend 
a-mourning 
(Men of grisly work are warning,) 
("Take his whimp'ring dog away"). 

[81] 



CHORUS 

A foot is full of confidence. 

As asp is full of sting. 
While in the world he glides along 

His empty song to sing; 
''Oh! there is time, a lot of time; 
Drudging work I carry over. 
In the fields of life a rover, 
Vm in everlasting clover — 

For the day is in its prime,^' 



[82] 



A REBUKE TO MELANCHOLY 

The Summer rain gives not in vain 

Its dewy shade ; 
The Summer skies a paradise 
Of earth have made. 
The verdant hills, the fruitful fields, 

The watered vales and limpid lakes — 
All in my soul a paean wakes. 

To bless the power that beauty wields. 



[83] 



BLUE JEAN PHILOSOPHY 



Say! Sometimes in the evenin' 

I'm a-feelin' sort er blue; 
Life don't amount ter nothin' — 
Got some bills that's overdue: 
The house is still an' lonesome 

An' my rhumatiz is bad; 
Seems if I aint got nothin' 

Fer ter cheer an' make me glad. 

Then I go ter bed a-sighin' ; 
Think I'm better off a-lyin' 
Under bedclothes than a-tryin' 
Fer ter dodge the toll er years. 

II 

The mornin'? Ho! that's diff'rent; 

Then I aint got time ter mope. 
There's dewy cobwebs shinin', 

Twitt'rin' birds is full er hope; 
Fust thing I know I'm whistlin' — 

Tune is chock-a-block with joy — 
Act's if there wam't no worries, 
Smart an' happy as a boy ! 

Then I do my chores a-hustlin', 
(Women folks 'bout grub is bustlin') 
Breezes through the elms is rustlin' — 
Gosh! It's fun ter be alive! 



[84] 



YOUTH, AGE— THE SEA 

I STOOD by the sea, remembering — 

Remembering the hopes of youth; 
The high intent, the pledges given to self: 

For in that earlier hour I had vowed and 
planned. 
And something of the strong, quick blood of 
youth 

Surged through my worn, old heart, 
And stirred to life my sluggish blood. 

(The world was new again). 

But then, alas, came sadness so intense 

That sea and shore were lost, and winds 
blew not. 

Yes, I was alone with my dead — 
My dead, unsepulchred ! — 

My dead, "unhallowed and unsung!" 



[85] 



RESTING IN FAITH 

The soft, sweet whispers of the fragrant 
night — 

Intimate sounds, unbroken and unspoiled — 
Caress my troubled ears, as healing balm 

Doth soothe the outer hurt. Among the best 
Of gifts Divine is this — the boon of night : 

The boon of night, which had its birth in love ! 

Eternal, jeweled canopy, high-arched. 

Bespeaks this care, which thought of beauty 
here. — 
Drowsy waters lap embowered shores ; 

Sweet-scented winds blow kindly through the 
trees. — 
The strange, full, soul-uplifting Peace of God 
Abides with me — "I lay me down to sleep." 



[86] 



INDIAN SUMMER 

The tender glow of fleeting days ! — 
A mellow, swiftly passing glow ! — 

A stillness and a fragrant haze, 
Etherealizing earth below ! 

Sweet lingering of Summer's joys! 

Sensations dear, yet fraught with pain, 
Bring peace to spirits jarred by noise 

Of mundane tumult, harsh and vain. 

These soft, sad, silent, wistful days 
Find parallel in life of mine. 

For I, with ardent, hopeful gaze. 
Did once quaff* eagerly life's wine. 

Now, alas ! toward Winter's blight 
I turn a face unused to mirth — 

To cold and desolation fight — 

For Winter brings contrasting dearth. 



[87] 



GOOD NIGHT 

May you sleep to-night, good friend, 
Sleep that God in mercy sends : 

May your cares and woes depart ; 
May your weary, troubled heart 

Know the peace that Heaven lends. 



[88] 



A FOREST RIDDLE 

What song do you sing, 

O piping brook? 
Is it love you bring, 

O canny brook? 
Or is it a message from far away? 

To quicken my heart all the livelong day, 
O wise old brook! Secretive brook! 

Are you sad or gay, 

O puzzling brook ? 
Do you sing alway, 

O tuneful brook? 
Or do you but prate of delights gone by? 

Which endure for a single day, to die, 
O teasing brook ! Bewild'ring brook ! 

Are you shy or coy, 

O charming brook? 
Do you jest and toy, 

O playful brook? 
Or are you so truly, merrily glad, 

That you frolic and dance and leap like mad? 
O lively brook! O sportive brook! 



[89] 



What do you tell me, 

O babbling brook? 
Whisper your secret, 

O friendly brook ! 
Do you bid the world be joyous and bright? 
And, as living, in life find sheer delight? 
O baffling brook! Bewitching brook! 



[90] 



JUST TO BE A MAN 

I, UNINSPIRED, cannot be great 

And lift brave souls to braver things, 

Or soar aloft on proud, swift wings; 
But love and hope and work and wait 
I can, if I can not be great. 



[91] 



MY WIFE 

Long days have dragged, 

Days given up to toilsome task. 
Down upon thy head the sun 

Hath beaten fiercely; 
Thy back hath known a cruel burden; 

Yet thou hast not faltered, 
Nor given up to fear thy heart. 

And thou hast borne with me. 
Borne with me and hoped for better things ; 

And loved — yea, more than all else 
Hath been this hallowed crown of Love. 

Now that the work is done 

I lay it at thy feet 
And ask of thee 

That thou wilt take it for thine own. 
Would that it were better, 

Less beset by fault. 
Less halting — in closer bond with Art ; 

A token worthier, befitting and complete. 

Beloved ! Error-ridden as 'tis found to be, 

Still, it is mine — my best ; 
And I with love and hope have watched it grow, 

Have trembled lest it die: 
"Flesh of my flesh"— but little less !— 

The blessed peace of night and midday heat 
Alike have known me breathlessly intent; 

For it were mine — and it were meant for thee. 
[92] 



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